The side effects of low-wage jobs

January 09, 2013

Chicago’s elected officials and civic leaders should take careful note of the new study, “How Youth Are Put at Risk by Parents’ Low-Wage Jobs.”

Millions of adults today work in jobs that most people wouldn’t consider decent work. Many are parents who want the best for their children, like all parents do. But their low wages, irregular schedules and lack of work-family benefits make it impossible for them to provide even basic financial stability and give their children the time and attention they need.

It’s time to recognize that we won’t solve the problems of school dropout rates, poor child health and other costly societal ills until we take strong action to improve low-wage, low-quality jobs.